Acclimation-driven microalgal cultivation improved temperature and light stress tolerance, CO₂ sequestration and...

This study investigates temperature and light impact on the ability of Micractinium pusillum microalgae to mitigate CO₂ and produce bioenergy in semi-continuous mode. Microalgae were exposed to temperatures (15, 25, and 35 °C) and light intensities (50, 350, and 650 μmol m^-2 s-¹), including two temperature cycles, 25 °C had the maximum growth rate, with no significant difference at 35 °C and light intensities of 350 and 650 μmol m^-2 s^-1. 15 °C temperature and 50 μmol m^-2 s^-1 light intensity reduced growth. Increased light intensity accelerated growth, CO₂ utilization with carbon and bioenergy accumulation. Microalgae demonstrate rapid primary metabolic adjustment and acclimation reactions in response to changes in light and temperature conditions. Temperature correlated positively with carbon and nitrogen fixation, CO₂ fixation, and carbon accumulation in the biomass, whereas there was no correlation found between light. In the temperature regime experiment, higher light intensity boosted nutrient and CO₂ utilization, carbon buildup, and biomass bioenergy.